Kristaps Porzingis brought a ray of hope to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, despite facing another injury setback. The 28-year-old center logged 16 minutes in the Celtics’ championship-sealing game, solidifying their historic title campaign. Yet again, Porzingis is sidelined as the new season starts, and when he will come back is uncertain.
Porzingis Out for Opening Night
Porzingis won’t be able to play in the Celtics’ first game against his old team, the New York Knicks. Following the Finals, Porzingis had surgery in June 2024 due to a torn medial retinaculum and dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon. He is expected to fully recover in five to six months, so he may not be able to return until late November or December.
Positive Progress in Rehabilitation
Even though Porzingis has a track record of injuries, there is positive outlook regarding his recovery. Brad Stevens, the Celtics‘ president of basketball operations, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating that they are “very, very pleased.” Porzingis is also feeling positive, stating that his ankle is “feeling really, really good” as he increases his rehab. The Celtics anticipate his comeback in December.
Porzingis’ Injury-Plagued Career
Porzingis has experienced numerous significant injuries throughout his career. Following his ACL tear in 2018, he sat out the whole 2018-19 season. He also faced a torn meniscus in 2020 and now includes his most recent ankle injury in the list. Injuries have restricted him to appearing in only 57 games or fewer in each season since 2015, despite his talent.
Kristaps Porzingis is still an important player for Boston’s championship attempt, yet his capacity to maintain good health will shape his lasting influence on the squad.
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